what is a melong, and why would someone want one? by that I mean, what is its function?

thanks

Me long literally means "to arouse fire" suggesting its original use.

In general, the mirror is a symbol of rig pa. In the DC, it is worn for the purpose of Guru Yoga, primarily.

The mirrors sold by SS store are made from five metals, and all contain a bit of the original mirror given to ChNN by his guru. For DC people, other mirrors are fine, but in general it is better to use one made by Giorgio since they are made according to Rinpoche's precise specifications.

Other melongs you may see are one's crafted for long life mirrors, which function to summon all the essence of the elements reflected in that mirror. Other mirrors are worn as good luck charms. These mirrors typically are stamped with the srid pa'i ho mandala on the back and worn on one's belt. These are usually made of bell metal.

Just as a point of curiosity I once found and purchased an antique melong in a small bric-a-brac shop in the west of England..The owner had no idea what it was until I told him. He just thought it was a 'Chinese mirror of some kind '.

" My heart's in the Highlands my heart is not here.My heart's in the Highlandschasing the deer."

It's a mirror. It can represent the nature of mind, as it's radiant but empty. DC people seem to like wearing them round their necks. You also see them hanging off of dadar long-life arrows or chod damarus. They are also sometimes used in fourth empowerments along with a crystal and in mirror divinations.

Thanks to all for the helpful responses. quick follow-up on Dzogchen Community specific applications of the melong:

Have there been design changes in the DC-made melongs? The new ones have the Longsal symbol on the back, while I think I remember seeing some with a different design on the back (with the six syllables around the edge if memory serves). Is there a difference in function for each of these, or does the change in design reflect different considerations? or am I completely mistaken?

Jikan wrote:Thanks to all for the helpful responses. quick follow-up on Dzogchen Community specific applications of the melong:

Have there been design changes in the DC-made melongs? The new ones have the Longsal symbol on the back, while I think I remember seeing some with a different design on the back (with the six syllables around the edge if memory serves). Is there a difference in function for each of these, or does the change in design reflect different considerations? or am I completely mistaken?

Yes, there are three versions. The oldest version that has a triangle with a bliss swirl in the center. The version which has been in service since early ninties that has the syllables of the six lokas as well as a the longsal symbol, and the smaller version that has only the longsal symbol.

Melongs are also covered in sindura and mantra/mandalas of various sorts can then be inscribed upon the sindura coating...this relates to empowerments, but it also relates to portions of the Kye Rim practice of various deities, in which case, these melongs are part of a more or less elaborate shrine, along with bumpa, Skullcup, etc.

"Absolute Truth is not an object of analytical discourse or great discriminating wisdom,It is realized through the blessing grace of the Guru and fortunate Karmic potential.Like this, mistaken ideas of discriminating wisdom are clarified."

May any merit generated by on-line discussionBe dedicated to the Ultimate Benefit of All Sentient Beings.

Jikan wrote:Thanks to all for the helpful responses. quick follow-up on Dzogchen Community specific applications of the melong:

Have there been design changes in the DC-made melongs? The new ones have the Longsal symbol on the back, while I think I remember seeing some with a different design on the back (with the six syllables around the edge if memory serves). Is there a difference in function for each of these, or does the change in design reflect different considerations? or am I completely mistaken?

Yes, there are three versions. The oldest version that has a triangle with a bliss swirl in the center. The version which has been in service since early ninties that has the syllables of the six lokas as well as a the longsal symbol, and the smaller version that has only the longsal symbol.

There is also an old version of the DC melong which has three small 1/16th inch circles at the upper, lower, left and right edges of the front and nothing on the back.